Gogoi criticizes demonetization

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Nov 23: Criticizing Prime Minister rendra Modi’s demonetization decision to put an end to corruption and black money, and also justifying emergency ordered by late prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975, former chief minister and veteran Congress leader Tarun Gogoi said, “The mece of corruption could have completely eradicated if the emergency ordered by Indira Gandhi would have continued for some more time.”

Addressing a press conference at his Koi-Dhora residence on Wednesday, Gogoi said, “If emergency continued for some more time, corruption could have completely ended. The emergency was not continued for long due to severe protest by opposition parties.”

Gogoi admitted that freedom of press was curbed to a great extent during the emergency period. He said several opposition leaders were put in jail during emergency and it created resentment among common people. “By doing demonetization, Modi is now claiming that corruption will end. But corruption could have ended during emergency.”

The former chief minister said, “Problem created due to demonetization will not be solved even in the next two years. Modi is shedding crocodile tears for the common people on the demonetization issue,” adding, “today is a historic moment for India as all opposition parties came together in protest against demonetization. All the black money holders are sleeping well, but common people are passing sleepless nights.”

On Union minister Kiren Rijiju’s comment in Parliament that around 2 crore Bangladeshis are illegally living in India, Gogoi said, “If it is true, a special task force should be formed by the government to catch illegal Bangladeshis living in India.”